A college student from Livermore stunned the sporting world Saturday as he won a $100,000 field goal challenge as part of ESPN's "College GameDay" festivities at the University of California, Berkeley.
Many fans at the Cal and Miami football game recognized Daniel VillaseƱor. They rushed up to him to praise him and take selfies.
The UC Berkeley sophomore and civil engineering major arrived at campus after 11 p.m. Friday night for a chance to stand in "the pit" for ESPN's College GameDay on campus Saturday morning. This was the first time the program was broadcast from the Cal campus.
"So I thought I would bring my most comfortable shoes, my Vans," said VillaseƱor who was sporting laceless, checkered Vans.
VillaseƱor entered into a raffle to kick a field goal for $75,000 in prize money. To his shock, he was selected.
VillaseƱor said he plays soccer but has only kicked football a couple of times before.
He lined up for the kick in his Vans but kicked the ball too far to the right.
Then, the hosts gave VillaseƱor a second chance, this time upping the prize money offer to $100,000. Host Pat McAffee also offered to increase the total amount he would donate for Hurricane Helene relief efforts to $600,000 if VillaseƱor could make the field goal.
On his second attempt at the kick, VillaseƱor recalls, "I re-did my steps, and I was super locked in and focused, and I was able to make it."
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On television, VillaseƱor was captured joyfully celebrating the successful kick.
"I was crazy excited; I was jumping up and down screaming; something like that has never happened to me before," he said.
Still wearing his Vans, VillaseƱor joined his family, who came out from Livermore to watch the big game against Miami. VillaseƱor grew up in Livermore and is a graduate of Livermore High School.
He said he hadn't decided yet what to do with the prize money.
"I have no idea, a lot of fast food probably, probably some tuition and helping out with my family," he said.
VillaseƱor said he is thrilled to experience this memory while supporting the team he has cheered on since childhood.
